Trine Homecoming approaching

School celebrating 125 years in higher education

 

Athletic contests, guest speakers, dedications, outdoor festivities and live entertainment will regale Trine University alumni and community visitors during the university’s 125th anniversary celebration during Homecoming weekend Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3.

While many activities will keep alumni busy, numerous events, contests and entertainments will be open to the public.

On Friday, Trine will kick off its popular Distinguished Speaker with an engaging presentation by Dr. Ralph Ketner, a Tri-State accounting alumnus and co-founder of the grocery chain giant, Food Lion. Dr. Ketner will demonstrate his amazing ability with mental mathematic calculations while detailing his rise as an orphaned child of the Great Depression to grocery store magnate, multi-millionaire and philanthropist. His speech is free and open to the public in Best Hall room 229 from 4-5 p.m.

On Saturday, the public can view the university’s new Athletic and Recreation Center (ARC) during a dedication at 9:30 a.m. on the south side of west Park Street. Benefactors Richard and Joan Gollnick, for whom the facility’s indoor track is named, will be honored during the dedication.

At 10 a.m., Park Street will come alive with activity of a three-wheeled nature—Tour de Trine, a tricycle race between various Trine student groups. Tricycle teams will compete by elimination in heats until the winner is determined. At the same time, Elliott Drive, which leads to the university’s new golf course apartments, will be dedicated.

From 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the local and university community are invited to enjoy a hog roast as a pre-game tailgate lunch, along with live entertainment by Duke Tumatoe & the Power Trio on the lawn west of Shive football field. Cost for the luncheon will be $7 for the local community, and can be purchased at the site. Outdoor attractions such as inflatable games for kids will also be set up in that area.

At noon, the gates will open to admit fans to the Homecoming football game between reigning Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) conference champ and NCAA Division III contender Trine and MIAA foe Hope College. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. General admission tickets will cost $5 for adults and $3 for students. Children ages 12 and under will be admitted free.

The Thunder Athletics’ new mascot, Storm, will be introduced to the crowd, and Trine’s new marching band will take the field in striking new uniforms to entertain with music, marching formations, a drum line, and color guard including flags and rifles. Those in search of more athletic excitement can take in a Trine men’s varsity soccer match versus Adrian College on the Thunder Park soccer field.

The community is invited to help the university family celebrate 125 years in higher education at a party from 4-6 p.m. on the lawn west of Shive Field. Sponsored by the Thunder Varsity Club, Trine Parents’ Association and the Trine Board of Governors/Alumni Association, the celebration will include an opportunity to meet winning Thunder football coach Matt Land, have a photo taken with Thunder mascot, Storm, and enjoy free cake and refreshments.

For more information about Trine University Homecoming weekend, contact Sarah Brown at 260.665.4316 or browns@trine.edu.